Roger Arnold Eckhoff, age 74, of South Haven, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at St. Benedict’s Senior Community in St. Cloud, following a courageous battle with cancer.

There will be a memorial prayer service for Roger’s mother, family, and friends at the Cokato Manor Chapel, 182 Sunset Avenue, Saturday, Feb. 23 at 10:30 a.m. with lunch following.

Roger was born Nov. 8, 1938, in Yakima, WA, to William and Helen (Vought) Eckhoff. When he was 8 years old, his family moved to a farm in Henning, MN.

Roger was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he attended faithfully.

He graduated from Henning High School, and attended Wahpeton School of Science and the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Roger served in the Army for four years, attending basic training in Fort Leonardwood, MO.

Following his service to his country, he returned to work for General Mills in Minneapolis, and later Henkel Corporation, where he traveled to Texas, Kansas, Germany, and also Pakistan several times.

He moved to a farm north of Cokato, and later worked for Davy McKee in Chicago, IL. He retired from Simons in Minneapolis in 2002.

Roger enjoyed archery, hunting, and especially fishing the lakes in northern Minnesota and Canada. He spent many camping trips and holidays with his brother and family.

Roger married Phyllis Paddock Sept. 2, 1989, in Milaca. The couple lived in Chicago, IL, and then on Lake Augusta in South Haven.

After retirement, Roger worked for Heartland Express in Annandale, and enjoyed being a member of the Annandale area community. He was an active member of the Lakes Association and was passionate about feeding deer, geese, songbirds, and wildlife, which visited his yard.

Roger was preceded in death by his father, William (Bill), of Dassel; and a sister, Barbara Cross of Sumner, WA.

He is survived by his mother, Helen Eckhoff of Cokato Manor; his wife, Phyllis of South Haven; stepchildren Amy Paddock of Atlanta, GA, and John Paddock of Wabasha, MN; brother Richard (Judy) Eckhoff of Cokato; nephews Doug (Ling Ling) of Kingston, Dale of Maple Plain, and David (Melissa) Eckhoff of Cokato; nieces Carrie Broenen and Lori Richter of Alexandria, Pam (Brad) Meyer of Clearwater, and Jill (Adam) Eckhoff-King of Minneapolis; brother-in-law Dennis Cross; nephews Raymund and Byron Cross of Sumner, WA; and many great nephews and nieces.

A memorial service also took place Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud, with visitation one hour prior to the service.